Microsoft's Greenshoots Programme Unveils ID@Xbox Games and Studios

For the third year running, Creative England have partnered with Microsoft to help out up-and-coming developers with their games. The Greenshoots Programme gives these studios a cash injection of up to £50,000, as well as the ability to develop their IPs through the Xbox One and ID@Xbox. The latest crop of studios have been announced, as well as the games they will be developing. Solomon Nwabueze, Creative England's Director of Content, is passionate about giving developers outside of London a helping hand:

“This latest group of Greenshoots represents some of the best micro studios from across the country. We know great games can be made outside of London, and it’s our remit to give them what they need in order to be not just a great idea – but have that market impact factor too.”

Included in this line up are a number of titles that you may already be familiar with.

The Other 99

Just a short while after Burning Arrow announced that The Other 99 will be delayed until August, the programme's statement actually puts the console release of the title even further back. An early access Windows 10 version will be available in August, but Xbox One owners will have to wait until 2017.

Q.U.B.E. 2

Toxic Games are developing Q.U.B.E. 2 for Windows 10 and Xbox One, after success with the original (which became Q.U.B.E. Director's Cut on consoles). The sequel will have VR support and should be arriving on March 31st 2017.

Lost Words

Lost Words has already made quite a name for itself, winning awards at Game Connection and Intel Buzz for its creativity and story (crafted in part by Rhianna Pratchett, whose recent credits include Rise of the Tomb Raider). Lost Words takes place in the pages of a young girl's diary, with players traversing and interacting with the words themselves to solve puzzles in a "rich fantasy land". It's also due to arrive on Xbox One in 2017.

There's plenty of new brand new indie titles on the roster as well.

Fugitive

Fugitive is billed as a top-down stealth title and is being developed by Fallen Tree Games, who have had success in the mobile game world with titles like Quell. The new game will have you making quick decisions as you run from the law, such as losing your scent trail in a river or choosing whether to interact with people you encounter, who may have seen your face on the news. Details are minimal at the moment, but again the game is expected in 2017 on Xbox One.

Vantage Point

Sunderland-based Coatsink are working on Vantage Point, an "asymmetric coop horror game". Two-man teams will need to rely on communication and perfect execution in order to survive. The game is scheduled to arrive on Windows 10 in Q1 2017, with unnamed VR platforms getting a release later next year.

Finally, Guildford-based Supergonk, comprised of Lionhead, Codemasters and Bizarre Creations veterans, are working on an unnamed "high-quality, innovative new futuristic racing title for consoles."

Like many ID@Xbox titles, we can expect many of these games to be doing the rounds at the usual conventions and conferences over the next year.

Sam has been gaming long enough to know the pain of a failed DOS install on the fifth floppy disc. As well as writing news, he also looks after our Community Interviews. Send him a PM if you are interested!